Article on success of Richings English Opera

“We are sorry that Mr. Grover’s engagement with the Richings English opera company was limited to eighteen nights, for a more enjoyable opera season we have not had for some time. The second week of their engagement at the Olympic Theatre last concluded, with the same success that has attended them from the beginning. This will probably be the last week we shall have this company with us. We therefore advise those who have not yet visited the ‘Olympic’ during the present opera season to make the most of the short time left them. ‘The Child of the Regiment’ was given very finely at the Saturday matinée, and the ‘Bohemian Girl,’ the success of the season, was produced, for the third time, in the evening. ‘The Rose of Castile’ is announced for the first time this season, with the full strength of the company, comprising Miss Richings, Mrs. Seguin (Zelda Harrison), and Messrs. Castle, Campbell, and Seguin. Such an announcement will of course fill the theatre. On Tuesday ‘Maritana’ will be given for the second time, on Wednesday ‘Linda di Chamounix,’ and on Friday Miss Richings is to take a benefit on which occasion we are informed Mr. Peter Richings will appear. The chorus give evidence of careful training, and now sing accurately and well. There is also a marked improvement in the orchestra, and while we are on this subject we desire to say that our criticism last week may have been too severe. We had then reference particularly to the orchestral performance in ‘Martha,’ (which certainly was not good) and the ‘Child of the Regiment.’ Since then we have heard several other operas in which the orchestra acquitted itself more creditably. We have no desire to be unjustly severe, and we therefore with much pleasure make this statement. We have no doubt that Mr. Dietrich does his best with the material at his command, and, making every allowance for a new and relatively untried orchestra, we hope that the company returns to us is the spring, as we understand is intended, the orchestral performance will be such as to need from as nothing but praise.”